Good result for Ealing Homes

The housing management service provided by Ealing Homes is “good” with “promising prospects for improvement”, according to a report released by the Audit Commission.

Ealing Homes, which was set up in 2004 to manage the council’s housing stock, underwent the routine inspection in June this year.

Inspectors said that performance for completing repairs was “strong” and that estates were generally of a good appearance. Ealing Homes is also said to be supporting vulnerable residents well and providing services that are excellent value for money.

The ALMO’s chief executive, Susmita Sen, said: “Since our last inspection we’ve placed renewed focus on front-line services that put our residents first and provide them with the services they deserve. We are pleased the Audit Commission’s report has recognised our success.”

Chair of Ealing Homes’ Board, Russell Caller, said: “Ealing Homes enters its seventh and final year on high note. The Decent Homes programme, which has met with high approval from residents, nears completion and across the service overall strengths outweigh weaknesses.”

Ealing Council is planning to bring the housing service back in-house once the Decent Homes programme of improvement works is completed in March 2011. In July this year a test of opinion showed that 61 per cent of tenants and leaseholders responding to a postal survey were in favour of the move.

Councillor Hitesh Tailor, cabinet member for housing, said: “The council is committed to continuing to improve the service our 18,000 tenants and leaseholders receive and I’m sure these changes will build on recent progress that the Audit Commission inspection has acknowledged.”